Who Should Pay for Medical Errors?

If I am to be held accountable for my actions, I surely expect you to be held accountable for yours. It's strictly business.

Our health is our most valuable personal asset and we rely upon professionally trained providers to take care of us when we need their help. We already pay through the nose for health care and insurance. But, I think creating "alarms" if things are left in someone's body in OR or properties are left unsterile are more like bandaids on the wound. Have you ever observed a hospital shift?

Doctors, particularly nurses and residents, are required to work ridiculously long shifts. Orderlies are not necessarily the brightest folks in the world (no offense to anyone who works in a hospital, but let's get real). People simply don't care, care enough, or are too exhausted. That's a big reason why mistakes are made. The buck rules the game; QA, not so much, it seems.

I recently switched providers because my new team revealed information to me about my physical issues that my other long-term provider neglected, even treated incorrectly. My other provider, however, still offers a particular therapy that my new one does not yet; but, I got such a cold reception when I called to schedule a much-needed session. I thought that rather unprofessional. After all, it's *my* body and I expect quality professional care.

I agree: why should hospitals be any different?!

Accountability is always a good thing.

I love it.

If I go to a restaurant and they serve me the wrong me, do I pay?

Why should a hospital be any different?

-Todd